A digital detox to reconnect with the world

Addicted to screens?

Addicted to your phone or screens in general? Other people, maybe... but not me! And yet, we check our smartphones more than 200 times a day on average. That's right! This little device has become our faithful companion from morning to night, and often even during the night. So much so that we are becoming nomophobic. You're probably wondering what that is? Well, it's the intense fear of being separated from your cell phone...

While not all of us are nomophobic (thankfully!), it's true that we are a little addicted to screens, we have to admit. A true technological Swiss Army knife, our phone has become our GPS, our DJ, our personal photographer, our alarm clock, and even our means of payment. An assistant who is always ready to follow us and never complains... Above all, our smartphone is our link to the outside world and to our loved ones.

In short, screens are everywhere, but don't worry, there's nothing unusual about that—it's just the way things are these days. However, guess what 's evolving more slowly than our smartphones? Our brains! And even though they try to keep up, they're under a lot of strain! Every notification, every article read, every post liked means new information to process. Suffice to say that it's far from embracing the Slow . So why not give it a little break from time to time? A little digital detox, just to see?

👉 See also: The benefits of puzzle games

A little digital detox?

Neuroscientists warn us that excessive screen use can cause stress, anxiety, and even sleep disorders. Our brain, like a secret garden, needs breaks to blossom again and moments of calm to nourish its creativity. And if, like 81% of French people, you use your cell phone during meals with friends, maybe it's time to reconnect with real life, right?

Don't panic, it's never too late to take a step back, let go, and rediscover the world around us. After all, there are so many beautiful things to experience beyond the screen, authentic moments to share, concrete experiences to savor, and human connections to cultivate. Freeing ourselves from the grip of technology can't hurt...

With a digital detox? No, that's not necessary. You don't need to go on a digital disconnection retreat to reconnect with reality! A digital detox can be easily achieved by changing a few small habits. To help you do this, we suggest a few simple steps that will detoxify you from those terrible screens! And you'll see, you might just get a taste for it!

👉 Also read: Clear your mind with puzzles

Let's go digital detox!

To discover the benefits of a digital detox, the first thing to do is to become aware of how much time you spend on your phone. Most smartphones provide you with this information. And if you decide that it's too much (9 hours a day, really?!), here are a few tips:

• Set up apps to find out how digitally addicted you are and manage it with restriction settings (BreakFree, QualityTime, etc.).
  
  

• Bring back the traditional alarm clock: a good old mechanical or electronic alarm clock will banish your smartphone from your bedroom. A peaceful night's sleep guaranteed!
  
  

• Turn off your phone at night and turn it back on when you're ready to start your day. (You know the Off button? Yes, it works!)
  
  

• Use silent mode during evenings with family or friends and enjoy the conversation to the fullest (Be careful, concentrate, the conversation may be more profound...).
   

• Don't take your cell phone with you when you go for a walk (yes, it's possible!) and observe nature (Really, it's already fall?).
   

• Rediscover the hobbies you enjoyed at home before screens became ubiquitous (cooking, reading, meditation, puzzles, board games, crafts, etc.).
  
  

Ready to take on the challenge of trying this little digital detox? Come on, you can do it! You might even be pleasantly surprised by how much time you save. And to replace digital distractions, why not rediscover the benefits of doing puzzles?

If you're lacking inspiration for other hobbies, at Jour Férié, we're not short on ideas! Between our 13 suggestions for crafts and our 6 stress-relieving activities to help you unwind, you'll find plenty to do to detox from your screens.

 👉 See also: What to do when it rains?

Source: Digital Barometer